Keystone Ski Vacation Tips for Your Colorado Getaway
Keystone, a top resort destination in Colorado, welcomes thousands of snow lovers to explore the Rocky Mountains. The area is well known for year-round outdoor adventures, but Keystone ski season tops many of the best times to visit lists. To get started planning a Keystone ski vacation, we rounded up some helpful tips so you can make the most of your trip.
Keystone Ski Guide for Your Winter Getaway
Check Out The Mountains
Home to three mountains, the Keystone area offers guests plenty of space to ski, snowboard, tour and play. Beginners and intermediate skiers can spend the day at Dercum, while intermediate and experts test their skills on North Peak and The Outback.
The area also houses A51 Terrain Park, packed full of rails, jumps and pipe, with features for all skill levels. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, winter visitors can also take sleigh rides, snowcat tours, snow tube and fly fish.
Buy Keystone Lift Tickets, Passes
Those visiting Keystone also receive access to other resort areas with the admission of a lift ticket. The Summit County pass provides unlimited ski access to Keystone and Breckenridge.
Other passes include Epic Local pass, which grants unlimited access to additional areas and days at destinations such as Vail, Beaver Creek and Whistler in Canada. Lift-ticket packages include the Epic four- and seven-day passes and the Epic pass for those looking to ski wherever, whenever they want.
Keystone Ski Lessons, Snow Fun
Families also enjoy a variety of ski lessons in Keystone. Whether it’s the first time out or it’s time to level up, visitors have beginner, intermediate and expert classes. Keystone Ski and Ride School offers lessons for groups, women-only and private sessions, ensuring skiers learn everything they need before tackling terrain.
Children also have several options, including specialized programs for guests as young as 3 and 4 years old. Little ones too young to ski have fun at Keystone Daycare Preschool Program, where they play games, create crafts, and stay warm and safe. Reservations are required at least 48 hours in advance.
More winter activities for kids in Keystone occur daily at Kidtopia. Here, kids can play in the snow fort, dance to music and participate in crafts. Each day from 1 to 4 p.m., hunt for treasures during Kidtopia Scavenger Hunt and enjoy fresh-baked cookies daily at 4 p.m. Other Kidtopia events include night-sky exploration, movies, Bigfoot adventures, face painting and firework shows.
Snow lovers also visit Keystone Nordic Center, home to cross-country skiing, skate skiing, snowshoeing, tubing and guided tours. Additionally, Keystone has night skiings in Colorado and lighted trails. Many lifts stay open until 8 p.m., and Adventure Point also offers night-tubing access.
How to Get Around the Keystone Area
Keystone has two airports within proximity to the resort: Denver International and Eagle Airport. Guests are welcome to rent a car and drive, however the shared ride shuttle provides an eco-friendly way to get from airports to resort areas.
Once guests arrive, they benefit from free transportation throughout Summit County via Summit Stage. The Summit Stage provides pick-up and drop-off services at the resort and in nearby Dillon, Silverthorne, Frisco, Breckenridge and A-Basin. Another ground transportation option is Keystone Transportation, an in-resort shuttle that takes guests anywhere within the resort area.
Attend a Signature Event
The city also ranks among the most family-friendly destinations in Colorado, as it hosts dozens of fun-filled events throughout the year. Keystone ski season brings annual events such as Winter Family Carnival, Lighting of River Run Celebration, Meet Santa events and chocolate tours. Those visiting in November and December also attend concerts, Kidtopia Mountaintop Spectacular and Kids Night Out, where kids play while parents enjoy date-night.
Book a Keystone vacation rental and ask our team about free fun and equipment rental discounts.
Read about more Keystone winter activities on and off the mountain.